The Endrick case in Brazil has reignited the debate over the decision by many young talents to leave their home country at a very early age to join top European clubs, where they increasingly struggle to find playing time and the consistency they need to fulfil their potential.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti added fuel to the debate in today’s press conference. Speaking specifically about Real Madrid forward Endrick, he stressed that the striker, as well as other young Brazilian talents, need more playing time to develop into important players.
In Spain, meanwhile, there is growing speculation that the former Palmeiras forward could already leave the Santiago Bernabéu as early as January, with Milan and Roma reportedly at the front of the queue to try to bring him to Italy.
Ancelotti, who has nevertheless included Endrick in his squad, was speaking at a press conference ahead of the start of this new phase of his tenure, with Brazil set to face Australia and then India in friendlies. He explained that Endrick, as well as Estevão, need more playing time to continue their development:
"The problem with Brazilian youngsters is that they don’t improve because they don’t play. It is happening to Endrick, but also to other talents such as Estevão: they go to Europe at 18 or 19, join big clubs and don’t find playing time. Without playing, they cannot develop. We have some very promising young players and we need to follow their development. Endrick will become an important player for the national team in the future."
Promises not kept?
Real Madrid and José Mourinho had given Endrick a different outlook over the summer compared to the four minutes he has played so far this season. There was a minor muscular issue in between, it is true, but the Brazilian’s expectations were not necessarily to become an undisputed starter, but at least to be the first-choice back-up behind Mbappé and Vinicius. This is also why all the transfer rumours surrounding him had been played down and rejected by both Los Blancos and the player himself.
Listening to Ancelotti and sensing the 2006-born talent’s growing frustration, it is inevitable to look towards the next transfer window as an opportunity to once again solve the issue of his limited playing time. A year ago, a loan spell at Lyon helped relaunch his career, with 41 appearances and seven goals, and another loan move, this time with an option to buy, could be the right solution for the upcoming January transfer window.
AC Milan reportedly keen on Endrick
Milan, with Gerry Cardinale, already tried to make a move for him during the summer and are expected to approach the player’s representatives again, writes Calcio Mercato. The other Italian club to have made a move in recent days, through sporting director Tony D’Amico, is Roma, who are still trying to find Gian Piero Gasperini the creative player who is theoretically expected to replace Matias Soulé.
